Technical Aids

Useful resources and reference materials for cathodic protection and corrosion control

Cathodic Protection

The corrosion of underground structures is caused by a direct current flowing from one metal surface to another through electrolyte in the adjacent soil. The metal surface discharging the current dissolves metal particles to cause deterioration of the structure. Cathodic protection is a means of stopping the discharge of direct current from the structure or negative (cathodic) metal, by countering with another current from a positive (anodic) metal. This is accomplished by installing anodes in electrical contact with the structure.